Fishing camera for recording crabs

[Mr.X]

I was wondering if anyone had experience using inexpensive underwater fish camera systems.

Cabela's Advanced Anglers Underwater Cameras

I am looking at a sub 150.00 system. I anticipate using something like this to show kids what marine life looks like underwater in urban water ways. Can't tell if these cheapie systems have video outputs/RCA outs to recording decks. There is almost zero info.+ the reps. know diddly-squat about em'

Any suggestions hugely appreciated.

X


p.s. update - a technical specialist from Cabela says there is a monitor output.

 

[archman]

I used to have this thing. Used it a few times under some docks in the Keys (to look at crabs) before giving it away.

It's very unwieldy. And difficult to position. And the TV screen is tiny. That sunshade is an absolute necessity for daylight use.

I hated it when I had the thing... back in 2001. Totally unsuited for teaching without serious do-it-yourself modifications. At least it's a lot cheaper now.

If you really want this, at least go for the color model.

 

[Mr.X]

I used to have this thing. Used it a few times under some docks in the Keys (to look at crabs) before giving it away.

It's very unwieldy. And difficult to position. And the TV screen is tiny. That sunshade is an absolute necessity for daylight use.

I hated it when I had the thing... back in 2001. Totally unsuited for teaching without serious do-it-yourself modifications. At least it's a lot cheaper now.

If you really want this, at least go for the color model.

Thanks Archman. I appreciate the info...the hunt for a suitable camera will go on. I was using a waterproof lipstick camera connected to a mini-dv deck under Arctic ice...boogered results. That experience led me to this idea. Any ice fishermen out there?

X

 

[Lone Frogman]

Here is a much better camera for underwater use. Security Cameras, Security Camera Packages, Surveillance Equipment, CCTV, Wireless, & Digital Cameras
Also this one Security Cameras, Video Security Systems, CCTV, Video Surveillance | Supercircuits - Product Search - Criteria: underwater

 

[Mr.X]

Here is a much better camera for underwater use. Security Cameras, Security Camera Packages, Surveillance Equipment, CCTV, Wireless, & Digital Cameras
Also this one Security Cameras, Video Security Systems, CCTV, Video Surveillance | Supercircuits - Product Search - Criteria: underwater

Thank you Dave. Very nice cameras.

It seems that there is a definite line between toy-like, and professional-quality.

I'll have to poll my students to see how many are truly interested in a field trip to see crabs at the bottom of a brackish river. I have dropped real cameras into the water (Nantucket/Martha's), but in this particular case this river can flow upwards of 4 knots, + there is effluent (poo) about. Don't like the idea of losing a L&M camera housing, or literally stepping in it. :15a:

 

[archman]

Off topic, but I've been hankering to have a go with students with one of these hydrophone thingies.

DolphinEAR Hydrophones

It looks really fun for use in estuaries and saltwater.

 

[Mr.X]

Off topic, but I've been hankering to have a go with students with one of these hydrophone thingies.

DolphinEAR Hydrophones

It looks really fun for use in estuaries and saltwater.

Very cool. Beats listening through a soda bottle! Not a bad price point either.

While we're wishing...I was on one of SEA's tall ships and they needed to have one these things (Sea Otter ROV) when they were checking out George's Bank. Students understood quantitative tools (CTD's) etc., but there's nothing like seeing stuff with your own eyes. Maybe, they have one now!

JW Fishers - metal detectors, sonar, magnetometer, rov, video, pinger, cable tracker

X